Hey, fans of lever guns of the Old West, Brownells Gun Techs™ and resident firearm historians Keith and Steve have a treat for us. They're back at Rock Island Auction Co. to show us a Winchester Model 1876 rifle. The Model 1876 is essentially a Model 1873 stretched and beefed up to handle a more powerful big game cartridge, the .45-75 Winchester. It was a fairly short-lived variant, superseded by the Model 1886 designed by John Browning. But the Rock Island gun is rare for another reason: it's the FIRST "One of One Hundred" Model 1876 rifle made. Lever gun collectors and anybody who's seen the Jimmy Stewart movie "Winchester '73" know that "One of One Thousand" Winchesters were exceptionally accurate, heavily engraved, premium rifles offered by the factory. The "One of One Hundred" rifles were almost as accurate but not nearly as heavily decorated, and they cost only $20 more than a stock Model 1876, which was $35. As a result, 1 of 100 rifles were still "working" guns, while 1 of 1,000 rifles were collectors' pieces even when new. Oddly enough, FEWER 1 of 100 rifles were made (only about 8) than 1 of 1,000s, and they now fetch higher prices than the more decorated guns. Rock Island's 1876 has clearly seen a lot of use and resulting "honest" wear.
